North Carolina GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

North Carolina GI Bill Tuition Rates

The Post-9/11 GI Bill got a face lift in 2011, changing the way benefits are determined for military personnel at public schools. Under the new version, veterans and servicemembers using their benefits to attend public schools are only eligible to receive the in-state tuition rate. If you attend a public school that classifies you as an out-of-state student, you are responsible for the difference in tuition and fees. Knowing how North Carolina determines state residency can be crucial to making sure you understand your GI Bill benefits.

Residency and Special Considerations for Military Personnel

According to the State Board of North Carolina, in-state tuition is offered to students who have been permanent residents of the state for at least 12 months and shown evidence that they intend to stay there permanently. However, the state of North Carolina grants certain exemptions to this 12-month requirement for eligible military members. If you fall into one of the following categories, you can be eligible for automatic in-state tuition:

1. Active-duty personnel, spouses and dependent children are charged the in-state tuition rate for coursework done while stationed in North Carolina, regardless of their state of permanent residency. The servicemember must be on active duty for a minimum of 30 days to qualify.
2. Members of the North Carolina National Guard are eligible for in-state tuition rates during their period of service, whether in active status or reserve.

Active-duty personnel in North Carolina who are reassigned out of state, retire or are honorably discharged maintain eligibility for in-state tuition as long as they remain continuously enrolled in their current degree program. This benefit also extends to qualified relatives. Additionally, to maintain eligibility for in-state tuition under the honorable discharge provision, you must establish legal residency in North Carolina within 30 days.

How to Apply for Resident Status in North Carolina

Residency determinations are made by individual colleges and universities in North Carolina when you apply for admission. Military personnel applying for residency under the above exceptions may be required to submit a special application for the military tuition benefit. Although each school has its own application for military tuition benefits, they all require information including your rank, service branch and duty station. You are also required to attach an affidavit from your commanding officer or other military official confirming you are on active duty in the state.

Other State Benefits in North Carolina

If you are a resident of North Carolina currently serving in the armed forces, you can keep your in-state tuition eligibility even if you are assigned to an out-of-state duty station. The same protection applies to military spouses.

According to the North Carolina Department of Administration (NCDOA) resident military dependents may also be eligible for tuition scholarships. Children of servicemembers who were killed or disabled due to military service as well as dependents of POW/MIA veterans may qualify for tuition waivers or scholarship funds at North Carolina schools. Detailed eligibility requirements are available from the NCDOA.

GIBill.com has done its best to ensure that the above information is accurate. However, GIBill.com cannot guarantee its accuracy and encourages you to check with your school for its residency requirements to qualify for in-state tuition.